This work investigates the complex interplay between South Africa's social structures and its economic development from the colonial era through the early twentieth century. Cornelis W. De Kiewiet, a noted historian of the region, utilizes a structuralist approach to analyze how land distribution, labor policies, and mineral extraction shaped the nation's political trajectory. The text argues that the country's internal conflicts are rooted in the specific economic pressures and social hierarchies established during its formative years.

Historians frequently cite this text as a foundational analysis for understanding the structural origins of South African inequality. Scholars often note the clarity of the author's economic arguments despite the significant time elapsed since the book's initial publication.